Applying psychological type and “gifts differing” to organizational change

Abstract

This paper applies concepts from the Myers‐Briggs type indicator (MBTI) to the context of organizational change. A brief history and explanation of type theory and the MBTI is provided. Psychological type is measured using four bipolar scales, each dealing with individual preferences (extroversion‐introversion, sensing‐intuition, thinking‐feeling, and judgement‐perception). A total of 16 possible type combinations are derived from the results; subsequent arrangement of the type combinations within standard type tables facilitates recognition of patterns. Knowledge related to the four mental functions is specifically linked to organizational change issues, including implications related to both the dominant and inferior functions, and a recommended problem‐solving model. Opposite preferences are highlighted as “gifts differing” for their relevance to communication, conflict management, and teambuilding issues. Finally, type concepts are integrated with topics related to organizational change interventions.

Citation

Jessup, C.M. (2002), "Applying psychological type and “gifts differing” to organizational change", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 502-511. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810210440405